In our latest round-up of developments in ESG for UK clients, we cover the following topics: North Sea Transition Taskforce Report with recommendations for the UK’s energy transition New B Corp rules unveiled Delay to...more
In early 2023, the FCA released a discussion paper seeking to encourage industry-wide dialogue on financial services firms’ sustainability-related governance, incentives, and competence. This was part of the FCA's broad...more
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released a 132-page draft revision of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard (Version 2.0). Key proposed changes include...more
Over the past several weeks, each of the major US banks have announced their withdrawal from the Net Zero Banking Alliance (presumably in response to the policy priorities of the second Trump Administration). Although...more
Today in the United States, there is no federal comprehensive statute addressing climate change. With the Trump Administration now in power, it is doubtful that any such statute will be forthcoming anytime soon. ...more
Environmental claims are a powerful tool for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and connect with values-driven consumers. However, these claims are facing increased legal scrutiny, as governments and...more
“Net zero” is a topic as hot as the climate these days. With so much regulatory attention being placed on it, companies that do not communicate their net zero efforts appropriately or, worse, intentionally make false and...more
With the pressure to address corporate responsibility increasing, it is easy for organizations to feel overwhelmed with the steps they can take to create a sustainability program that has a tangible impact on their journey...more
With Parliamentary elections and a series of national votes in 2024, the EU is entering a pivotal period in its history. In this study, ‘Global business in a changing Europe’, we speak to corporate leaders across the world to...more
How to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy is a hot regulatory topic for most major economies around the world – and is set to continue ascending the agenda in the years to come. As sustainability-related...more
Government backing is critical to tilt markets in favour of green energy. But to incentivise the innovation required, we have to reflect on past failures. In his 2021 book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Bill Gates coined...more
Taxonomies will play a critical role in channelling investment towards sustainable activities. But while alignment between frameworks is critical , a one-size-fits-all approach can never be effective....more
Creating an effective regulatory framework will be critical to deliver Net Zero. But does that mean more – or less – regulation? From trade agreements to taxonomies, carbon adjustment mechanisms to corporate sustainability...more
What Is Carbon Offsetting and Why Is It Used? Carbon offsets are used by sustainability managers to make progress toward a company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. Carbon offsetting allows companies to...more
On April 25, the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on ESG (APPG) published a report on environmental, social and governance issues. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of the House of Commons and...more
The government published a new document outlining its existing and proposed objectives to develop the UK’s sustainable economy. On 30 March 2023, the UK government published an updated version of its Green Finance...more
The final report of the independent review of net zero has been published: "Mission Zero: Independent Review of Net Zero". The review was established in September 2022 to assess the government's approach to achieving its...more
ESG – environmental, social and governance factors – has become a major focus for organisations which are under growing pressure to demonstrate they are doing the right thing and executing their commitments to sustainable...more
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many corporations, governments and non-governmental organizations began formulating their post-pandemic sustainability-focused economic recovery plans, eager to capitalize on the...more
The legal department’s role is ever-expanding in both scope and complexity. New responsibilities lead to new questions, leaving room for uncertainty. That’s why the team at Hanzo decided to launch the luminary series,...more
Ceres, a nonprofit organization focused on solving climate and sustainability challenges through coordinated action by capital market leaders, recently issued its 2022 Guidance for Engaging on Climate Risk Governance and...more
The government also introduced transition plan requirements for companies to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero target. On 3 November 2021, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation Trustees Chair, Erkki...more
There is no doubt that COVID-19 and its impacts are forcing society and governments around the world to reassess their priorities. Society more than ever values sustainability and, as we exit from COVID-19, there is growing...more